2019 FLA Scholarship Winners

Each year, FLA awards 3 graduate scholarships to student members: the FSU Library & Information Science program scholarship, the Bernadette Stork scholarship for USF Library & Information students, and one scholarship devoted to promoting racial and ethnic diversity within our profession.  It’s never easy narrowing down the pool of stellar applicants, but after a very thorough review, the FLA Scholarship Committee is confident that each of the winners demonstrates academic excellence, a passion for librarianship, and a strong commitment to Florida libraries.

Pictured (left to right): Sarah Hammill, FLA President; Bridget Bihm-Manuel, USF Scholarship Winner; Natasha Williams, Scholarship Committee chair; Karen Paola Garcia, Minority Scholarship Winner

FSU Scholarship Winner: Deanna Evans

Deanna was initially a teacher but came to fall in love with library work and quickly found her place working with children and teens. Currently, she is the Youth Services Librarian at the Sanibel Public Library. She’s been active professionally within the library field over the last seven years, and fully intends to keep her talents in the state of Florida.

Bernadette Storck USF Scholarship Winner: Bridget Bihm-Manuel

Bridget has a particular fascination with Florida History and is currently the Collections Coordinator for the P.K. Yonge Library of Florida History. She’s passionate about the digitization efforts underway that bring archival materials to new audiences, and is already making an impact on the field according to her very strong letters of reference.

Minority Scholarship Winner: Karen Paola Garcia

Karen has a powerful backstory that resonated with the Scholarship Committee that began with a journey from Guatemala to the States. Libraries have made a particular impact on her life as she adjusted to the differences of finding her way in a new country, and now she gives back in her role as a Technical Assistant at the Palm Springs Public Library by engaging with her local community and making sure others with stories like hers can find their way as well.

Congratulations to our 2019 Scholarship Winners!